Learn more about the purpose, progress, and community impacts of this project.
Your Questions Answered
We understand that residents may have questions about this project — what’s happening, why it’s needed, and how it may affect you. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help keep our community informed and involved.
Wastewater Process
What is advanced treatment and why is it needed?
Advanced biological treatment is a process that removes nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater biologically without the use of chemicals. Advanced treatment is needed to meet the anticipated EPA NPDES Permit.
What are age-related needs and why weren’t these already planned?
The Town of Woodstock has planned for and implemented capital wastewater facility improvements over the years but the advanced age of the Main WWTF (50+ years) has led to many obsolete systems that are wearing out at the same time.
What energy efficiency improvements are planned?
The WWTF uses many pieces of electrical equipment that run continuously (24/7), such as influent pumps, blowers, UV disinfection system, and lighting. The installation of solar panels at the WWTF will reduce plant-wide energy consumption while replacement equipment will be more energy efficient benefiting from the latest technologies around motor construction and controls, and properly sized equipment. Also, reducing chemical consumption, and improving operational treatment efficiency and process stability, by implementing an enhanced SCADA control system to optimize the biological treatment process for nutrient removal prior to effluent discharge, while minimizing chemical consumption.
What other efficiencies will be realized with the upgrades?
Operational efficiencies will be gained by implementing modern technologies for remote sensing, alarms, and controls to change equipment settings remotely.
Are improvements being done to the collection system as part of this project?
No, currently there are no collection system improvements planned with the WWTF upgrades.
Will the WWTF be able to operate during the upgrades?
Yes, the upgrades will be sequenced to allow the WWTF to continue operating 24/7/365.
Will the cost of operating the WWTF increase after the upgrade?
Yes, the cost of sludge removal and disposal will increase since the advanced treatment process will produce more sludge than the current operations. However, the Town of Woodstock is committing to replacing obsolete equipment with new, more energy-efficient equipment to help offset this cost increase.
What will the project cost?
The upgrade is estimated at $34.26 million. The warrant article seeks approval for a not-to-exceed amount of $35 million to allow for flexibility and contingency during construction.
How will the project be funded?
The Town has secured a $1 million CDS grant from the US EPA for the upgrade project. The Town is also pursuing state and federal grants to further reduce local costs, including EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant and CWSRF Pollution Control Grant. All of the grant programs require voter approval and support of local matching funds.
Will local funds be used?
That is currently being explored. The Town is evaluating Town reserves and local option tax revenues to offset the cost to ratepayers.
Who votes on this project?
All registered voters in Woodstock may vote on this project, regardless of whether their property is currently connected to the sewer system.
Who benefits from this project?
This investment benefits the entire community by protecting the water quality of the Ottauquechee River, supporting housing and economic growth, and ensuring reliable infrastructure for decades to come.
